Big 12 Championship- Oklahoma over West Virginia

1. Oklahoma Sooners

Projected Record: 11-2 (7-2 Big 12)

The Baker Mayfield era is over, but that doesn’t mean Oklahoma won’t be competing for the playoffs. Kyler Murray is expected to take over, but Redshirt Sophomore Austin Kendall has pushed him for the starting job. The offense returns one of the best running backs in college football with Rodney Anderson. The offense will revolve around Anderson and a strong offensive line. The receiving group should give the new quarterback help with high profile WRs Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, CeeDee Lamb and Mykel Jones.

The defense continues to be a question especially after allowing 54 points to Georgia in the semi-final game last year. There are some solid young players including LBs Caleb Kelly and Kenneth Murray. The non-conference schedule is interesting with FAU, UCLA, and Army. FAU will try to pull the upset in Norman for the first game of the year. Replacing a quarterback with Baker Mayfield’s talent won’t be easy, but there is still enough talent on the roster to compete for a spot in the playoffs.

2. West Virginia Mountaineers

Projected Record: 9-4 (6-3 Big 12)

The offense will be lethal with quarterback Will Grier. West Virginia also has one of the best receiving groups with Gary Jennings, David Sills, and Alabama transfer TJ Simmons at wide receiver. They were 13th in passing yards last year, but 84th in rushing yards. In order to be elite West Virginia will need a running back to step up.

The defense is the exact opposite. The defense was ranked 107th in the nation and only returns 4 starters. In order for West Virginia to compete in the Big 12 they will have to improve. West Virginia has a few big non-conference games including the season opener against Tennessee and a road game at North Carolina State. The offense will have the Mountaineers competing for a Big 12 championship, but the defense will most likely prevent them from attaining a spot in the playoffs.

3. TCU Horned Frogs

Projected Record: 8-4 (6-3 Big 12)

TCU enjoyed a great year last year finishing 11-3 with a comeback win against Stanford. Shawn Robinson will replace Kenny Hill as the starting quarterback. He’ll have some weapons including versatile playmaker KaVontae Turpin. Look for Darius Anderson to have a breakout year as one of the Big 12’s best running backs.

Defense has consistently been TCU’s strength and it will be again for the 2018 season. The defense is led by pass rusher Ben Banogu. Senior linebacker Ty Summers should also be a leader on the defense. TCU faces a tough non-conference game in Cowboys Stadium against Ohio State. TCU should be a legitimate contender in the Big 12.

4. Texas Longhorns

Projected Record: 8-4 (6-3 Big 12)

Every year it seems like it will be the bounce back year for the Longhorns. This season actually looks like it could happen. Coach Tom Herman was a great offensive mind with Ohio State and Houston, but Texas actually took a step backwards in 2017. Quarterback Sam Ehlinger must play more consistent, but with talented wide receiver Collin Johnson it should make the step up easier.

The defense has talent across the board including the secondary. The secondary includes veteran corners Kris Boyd and Davante Davis. True freshman safety Caden Sterns should see some action as well. Gary Johnson and Anthony Wheeler make for a solid linebacker pair and

Brecklyn Hager will try to improve on his four sacks in 2017. Texas plays Maryland, Tulsa, and USC in non-conference play. USC will be a tough game and Maryland could possibly trip them up just like last year. An improvement on the 6-6 regular season finish is likely for Tom Herman’s 2018 team.

5. Iowa State Cyclones

Projected Record: 8-4 (5-4 Big 12)

Iowa State was a major surprise last season under Matt Campbell as they finished 8-5 and were the only Big 12 team to beat Oklahoma. Look for a similar year from the Cyclones who return running back David Montgomery, one of the best backs in college football. Senior quarterback Kyle Kempt was efficient in 2017 with 15 TDs to just 3 INTs.

The Defense returns six starters to the 2nd best defense in the Big 12 from last season. Ray Lima is a really good nose tackle that leads the defense along with Marcel Spears Jr. who had 107 tackles last year. The yearly matchup against Iowa will be key in starting the year right. With a solid offense and defense Iowa State should be a legitimate competitor for a Big 12 championship appearance.

6. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big 12)

Oklahoma State will have to replace a plethora of offensive talent with QB Mason Rudolph, WR James Washington, and WR Marcell Ateman moving onto the NFL. There is still talent at wide receiver with Jalen McCleskey and Tyron Johnson, along with 1400-yard rusher Justice Hill. But the question remains who will be giving them the ball. Coach Gundy stated at Big 12 media days that Taylor Cornelius was “their guy” at quarterback. However, Hawaii grad transfer Dru Brown just arrived in Stillwater. The offense will most likely take a step back from being the 2nd ranked offense in the nation.

After a bad season on defense, Coach Gundy brought in a new defensive coordinator that will install a 4-2-5 defense. The defense does return 7 starters, but will need to make a major improvement from last year. The non-conference schedule is interesting with a September 15th game at home against Boise State. Look for the Pokes to take a step back this year due to the major losses on the offensive side of the ball.

7. Kansas State Wildcats

Projected Record: 6-6 (4-5 Big 12)

A Bill Snyder coached team always finishes a few spots better than expected. The offense should improve from last season with running QB Skylar Thompson and returning the entire offensive line. Skylar Thompson had the Sooners nervous last year when Oklahoma barely made it out of Manhattan, KS with a 42-35 victory.

Defense was an issue last year for the Wildcats and this year the front seven is inexperienced. The secondary must also replace standout CB DJ Reed. Add the defensive worries with an early tough game against Mississippi State, and that equals a slow start. Look for Kansas State to be an average team this year that will most likely make a bowl game.

8. Texas Tech

Projected Record: 5-7 (3-6 Big 12)

For the first year in Kliff Kingsbury’s tenure at Texas Tech the offense is a bigger question mark than the defense. This stems from a quarterback competition with no clear winner. The contestants for this role include McClane Carter, Jett Duffey and Alan Bowman. Reports are out that true Freshman Alan Bowman may be the best of the group. In addition to the quarterback worries the receivers are not as talented of a group as in years past. What will be a plus for the offense is an experienced offensive line.

The defense on the other hand is starting to make a turnaround. They jumped 30 spots in scoring defense from 2016 to 2017, and return 9 starters to the defense. Linebacker and Last Chance U star Dakota Allen is the leader on the defense. The secondary has a senior tandem at safety with Vaughnte Dorsey and Jah’Shawn Johnson. The schedule is tough for the Red Raiders with an early game against the Ole Miss Rebels explosive offense. The week 3 game against Houston is also not an easy game. With the questions on offense, but a good defense the Red Raiders could finish anywhere between 4 and 8 wins.

9. Baylor Bears

Projected Record: 5-7 (3-6 Big 12)

Baylor had a nightmare season last year going 1-11 with their only win against Kansas. QB Charlie Brewer did show some promise last year and will look to improve during his Sophomore year. Brewer has some good playmakers to throw to with wide receivers Denzel Mims, Tennessee transfer Jalen Hurd and Chris Platt. The offense wasn’t bad last year and should take another step up.

The defense was horrible last year and is a major question mark again. They are young and inexperienced with only 5 returning starters. The defense could make an improvement in year 2 of defensive coordinator Phil Snow. The non-conference schedule is not bad, but does include a very even matchup against Duke. Baylor will win more than one game this year, but may fall just short of a bowl game.

10. Kansas Jayhawks

Projected Record: 2-10 (0-9 Big 12)

It must be tough for a Kansas football fan to be optimistic about the season. Coach David Beatty acquired a dumpster fire and it has remained that way through his 3-33 record. A bright spot of the offense is RB Khalil Herbert who had a 291 yard game against West Virginia last year. Steven Sims is also a solid receiver for Kansas.

On defense the Jayhawks have a lot of young talent that hopefully will develop. Defensive tackle Daniel Wise is a first-team Big 12 performer along with safety Hasan Defense (yes that is his name). There is no easy victory for this Kansas team so they need to come ready to play during their non-conference schedule of Nicholls State, Central Michigan, and Rutgers.

East

West

Alabama

Mississippi State

Auburn

LSU

Ole Miss

Texas A&M

Arkansas

SEC Championship: Alabama over Georgia

SEC East

1. Georgia Bulldogs

Projected Record: 12-1 (8-0 SEC)

Georgia comes off a great season and heartbreaking loss in the National Championship. Getting back to the playoffs will not come easy as they must replace 8 starters on the defensive side of the ball. The roster is talented with Georgia having three out of the last four years a top five recruiting class.

On offense talented WRs Terry Godwin, Mecole Hardman, and Riley Ridley should give SEC defenses trouble along with shifty RB De’Andre Swift. It’ll be interesting whether QB Jake Fromm can hold off freshman phenom Justin Fields for the starting job. There will be new starters across the defense, but Georgia still has reliable players like CB Deandre Baker, Safety J.R. Reid and DE Jonathan Ledbetter. The schedule will not be easy with matchups against Auburn and LSU from the West. If Kirby Smart can find a way to replace the lost defensive starters Georgia should not only be in Atlanta for the SEC Championship, but the College Football Playoffs as well.

2. South Carolina Gamecocks

Projected Record: 9-3 (6-2 SEC)

There is some buzz growing for the Gamecocks to be sleepers in the East. Now, I do not believe they will be able to take down Georgia, but they do have enough talent on their roster to have a nice season. South Carolina has one of the best duos at wide receiver with Deebo Samuel and Bryan Edwards. Whether Jake Bentley continues to improve will be the difference in the Gamecocks being contenders or pretenders. The 126 yard performance against Clemson last year will not be near good enough if South Carolina has top ten dreams.

The defense is solid in the front 7 with star linebacker T.J. Brunson. Where the Gamecocks need to improve is in the secondary. Games against Georgia and Clemson will test the secondary and show if they can compete on the national stage. The Cocks also avoid Alabama, Auburn, Mississippi State, and LSU in SEC play.

3. Florida Gators

Projected Record: 9-3 (5-3 SEC)

I know they had a terrible 4-8 year and still haven’t found a quarterback. But there are too many playmakers on this Florida Gators roster to stay down for long. Coming off a tragic year that was plagued by suspensions and injuries, Dan Mullen will look to turn things around.

The Gators return the entire offensive line and have talented wide receivers Tyrie Cleveland and Ole Miss transfer Van Jefferson. However, the offense will only go as far as Feleipe Franks takes them.

The defense is talented across the board highlighted by Cece Jefferson rushing the passer, David Reese at MLB and Chauncey Gardner playing a playmaker role at Nickelback. They have a tough non-conference game with Florida State and play LSU and Mississippi State from the SEC West. The talented roster should be good enough to have a solid year in the East.

4. Missouri Tigers

Projected Record: 8-4 (4-4 SEC)

Missouri had one of the worst starts to the college football season starting 1-5, but they finished the season 6-2. The Tigers have one of the most talented quarterbacks with Drew Lock along with 9 returning starters to an offense that was 8th in the nation.

The defense will need to improve, but they have the talent on the defensive line with Terry Beckner Jr. and Texas transfer Jordan Elliott. They return all of their starting linebackers including leading tackler Cole Garrett.

Part of Missouri’s schedule is absolutely brutal. They play Georgia, South Carolina and Alabama in back-to-back-to-back weeks. But if Missouri takes care of business with their winnable games in the SEC East, they should enjoy a nice season.

5. Tennessee Volunteers

Projected Record: 5-7 (2-6 SEC)

Tennessee welcomes new head coach Jeremy Pruitt after a whirlwind of a search. It will be anything but easy for Tennessee to bounce back from a 4-8 season with no conference wins. It starts with the quarterback position which will come down to Stanford transfer Keller Chryst or Jarrett Guarantano. Trey Smith is one of the best offensive lineman in the SEC and Alabama transfer Brandon Kennedy should help.

The defense has talent and should make an improvement with Coach Pruitt. However, the schedule is absolutely brutal. They start out against West Virginia and then have a five game stretch of Florida, Georgia, Auburn, Alabama and South Carolina. With the difficult schedule it will be tough for Tennessee to make a bowl game.

6. Kentucky Wildcats

Projected Record: 5-7 (1-7 SEC)

The big question for Kentucky will be at QB between Terry Wilson and Gunnar Hoak, neither have thrown a pass in a FBS game. Kentucky will instead rely on one of the best running backs in the SEC in Benny Snell and an offensive line that returns four starters.

Josh Allen leads a defense with a lot of returning starters especially in the secondary. The schedule isn’t too tough, but with the unsettled quarterback situation it is tough to see Kentucky competing for a SEC East championship.

7. Vanderbilt Commodores

Projected Record: 3-9 (0-8 SEC)

There was once upon a time that Vanderbilt wanted Alabama. The season was all downhill after that with the Commodores winning just one game. Kyle Shurmur is back and will lead the offense for his senior year. The offensive line also returns all of their starters from last season.

The defense was the strength early, but fell off in SEC play. There are only 4 returning starters on this defense, but CB Joejuan Williams and OLB Charles Wright are talented. It will be tough for Derek Mason to make a bowl game with the SEC schedule and facing Notre Dame.

SEC West

1. Alabama Crimson Tide

Projected Record: 13-0 (8-0 SEC)

The defending National Champions shouldn’t fall off. The national media is making it out like there is a quarterback controversy. There is none… Tua is the starter. The offense is loaded at Running Back with Damien Harris and Najee Harris. The receivers are young and talented. To cap it off four out of the five offensive lineman are back. Expect Alabama to average 40 points per game.

The defense should stay elite with the front seven. Defensive lineman Raekwon Davis and Isaiah Buggs lead up front. Inside linebackers Mack Wilson and Dylan Moses also make a dynamic duo.

The secondary remains the one unknown. Deionte Thompson is a dynamic safety, but there are young, unproven corners that will have to step up. The schedule sets up well with Louisville the only Power 5 test for nonconference play. A trip to LSU for a Saturday night game could be tricky as well.

2. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Projected Record: 10-2 (6-2 SEC)

Just because Dan Mullen is gone doesn’t mean this team isn’t talented. Nick Fitzgerald leads an experienced offense that includes 1000-yard rusher Aeris Williams and four of the five offensive line starters.

The defensive line is the strength of a defense, led by sack leader Montez Sweat and former five star Jeffrey Simmons. The defense was ranked 10th in the nation last year and should be good again. The schedule sets up nicely with SEC East matchups against Kentucky and Florida, as well as a home game against Auburn. Look for Mississippi State to compete in the West and possibly finish as a top ten team.

3. Auburn Tigers

Projected Record: 9-3 (5-3 SEC)

The Tigers should be back challenging for the SEC even after blowing it in the bowl game against UCF. Jarrett Stidham is one of the most talented passers in college football and has his favorite target back with WR Ryan Davis. However, the offense will have to overcome losing RB Kerryon Johnson and an inexperienced offensive line.

The defensive line is solid with Marlon Davidson, Derrick Brown and Dotavius Russell. However, the secondary has some concerns. The schedule is tough with games against Washington, Alabama, Mississippi State and Georgia.

4. LSU Tigers

Projected Record: 9-3 (5-3 SEC)

LSU has the same story every year, will the offense be at least decent? The quarterback competition is between Ohio State transfer Joe Burrow and Myles Brennan after LSU has had two transfers. Jonathan Giles is a talented WR transfer from Texas Tech that should help the new signal caller out.

The defense is LSU’s strength again with defensive lineman Breidan Fehoko (Texas Tech transfer), Ed Alexander and Rashard Lawrence. LSU’s tackle leader, Devin White, is back again along with one of the best corners in college football, Greedy Williams. LSU has a tough season opener in Arlington, TX against Miami.

5. Ole Miss Rebels

Projected Record: 7-5 (3-5 SEC)

Everyone counts out Ole Miss because of all the turnover and mess left over from the Hugh Freeze scandal. Ole Miss’s roster still has a lot of talent on it especially on the offensive side of the ball. Jordan Ta’amu is a talented QB who played just as good and maybe even better than Shea Patterson. Ole Miss also has one of the best receiving units in the country with DK Metcalf, AJ Brown, and Demarkus Lodge.

The defense will be the weakness coming off a season where they were ranked 124th against the run. Ole Miss starts off with a game against Texas Tech, but the SEC schedule isn’t too bad with their SEC East opponents being Vanderbilt and South Carolina.

6. Texas A&M Aggies

Projected Record: 6-6 (3-5 SEC)

The Jimbo Fisher era has started at Texas A&M. The first major decision he will need to make is whether Nick Starkel or Kellen Mond is the starter. Outside of the quarterback position they have talented young wide receivers led by Jhamon Ausbon. Running back they return 800-yard rusher Trayveon Williams.

The defense has a few bright spots with linebacker Otaro Alaka and defensive lineman Kingsley Keke. They will need to improve especially after allowing 55 points to Wake Forest in their bowl game. Texas A&M has a tough home game against Clemson and along with questions along the offensive line and defense, it could be a tough first year for Jimbo Fisher.

7. Arkansas Razorbacks

Projected Record: 6-6 (2-6 SEC)

The Razorbacks are coming off a tough 4-8 season and new coach Chad Morris is in charge now. Last season Arkansas finished 94th offensively and 102nd in defensively in the nation. The offense does return a veteran offensive line and a good running back with Devwah Whaley. Cole Kelley should be the new starting quarterback.

On defense there is talent to work with linebackers De’Jon Harris and Dre Greenlaw. The new defensive coordinator John Chavis is one of the best in the business so a turnaround could happen. The schedule sets up decently for Arkansas with no tough non-conference games and SEC East opponents Missouri and Vanderbilt. A bowl game would be the step in the right direction.

With the recent news, it looks like Baker is on his way to the Browns. Browns get their future quarterback to build around, but leave the best QB in the draft on the board. At least they didn’t make the mistake of taking Josh Allen. With 4 picks in the top 35, Cleveland could be on the brink of turning the corner.

2

Saquon Barkley

RB

Penn St.

6’0″

233

The Giants get another weapon to use on offense. Barkley is a blue chip player who the offense will be built around for years to come. Eli Manning is 37 years old and there is no long term replacement so Sam Darnold could be an option. But I think the Giants want another playmaker and end up going with Barkley.

3

Sam Darnold

QB

USC

6’3″

221

Jets traded up in order to secure a top notch quarterback. I’m sure they were not anticipating Darnold being here, but they somehow end up with the best quarterback in the draft. Someone could hop the Jets with a trade for the second pick with the Giants in order to secure Darnold. In that scenario, I believe they would select Rosen and still be happy.

4

Bradley Chubb

DE

NC State

6’4″

269

They locked up their franchise with the first pick and acquire a blue chip player Bradley Chubb. The combination of Chubb and Garrett at defensive end should be a nightmare to opposing offensive lines.

5

Josh Allen

QB

Wyoming

6’5″

238

I believe that in this scenario Denver would probably trade back, most likely with Buffalo. However, I believe that quarterback could still be in play. Josh Allen has a lot of the qualities John Elway looks for in a quarterback and could be the call here.

6

Roquan Smith

ILB

Georgia

6’1″

236

Colts have one of the worst rosters in the NFL. Roquan Smith is a talented player that could be a cornerstone to the Colts defense. He’s a three down player who could be an instant impact player on this defense.

7

Denzel Ward

CB

Ohio St.

5’11”

183

Brent Grimes is 34 and Hargreaves is a better nickel cornerback. Denzel Ward is by far the most talented corner in this years draft and could go as high as 4. Ward gives Tampa Bay some depth and talent at corner.

8

Quenton Nelson

OG

Notre Dame

6’5″

325

The Bears moved on from Josh Sitton at guard, and Nelson would be an immediate starter on the line. Having Nelson fall this far would be a tremendous win for the Bears as a great match between talent and need.

9

Minkah Fitzpatrick

S

Alabama

6’0″

204

The 49ers have one of the best players in the draft fall to them thanks to the amount of quarterbacks taken. John Lynch loves big school talent and I believe will pick Fitzpatrick with this pick. 49ers are in a shaky position at linebacker with Reuben Foster so Tremaine Edmunds could be an option here.

10

Tremaine Edmunds

OLB

Virginia Tech

6’5″

253

The Raiders need an upgrade at weakside linebacker. Edmunds is only 19 years old and extremely athletic. The addition of Edmunds improves this defense right away.

11

Josh Rosen

QB

UCLA

6’4″

226

A great scenario where a good quarterback falls right in the Dolphins lap. The Dolphins are in a prime position to add a quarterback of the future either by moving up or hoping one falls. In this instance, Rosen is the Dolphins answer at quarterback.

12

Leighton Vander Esch

OLB

Boise St.

6’4″

256

Vänder Esch is a late riser in this draft and is a perfect fit with the Bills. The Bills need an upgrade at the outside linebacker position. Vander Esch is an athletic, tackling machine that could be an impact player at the next level

13

Vita Vea

DT

Washington

6’4″

347

The Redskins went defensive line last year with Jonathan Allen, but it still remains a need. Vea is one of my favorite players in the draft as a strong, athletic freak that man handles offensive lineman. The addition of Vea turns the Redskins defensive line from a weakness to a strength.

14

Joshua Jackson

CB

Iowa

6’0″

196

Green Bay’s secondary is by far the biggest need. While Calvin Ridley does look like an attractive option to pair with Davante Adams, Randall Cobb, and Jimmy Graham, improving the defense is the biggest concern. Joshua Jackson was a ballhawk at Iowa and could step into this secondary right away. Moving up for Minkah Fitzpatrick could also be a viable option.

15

Calvin Ridley

WR

Alabama

6’1″

189

The Cardinals will be looking for a quarterback at some point in the draft to replace retired Carson Palmer, but receiver also remains a need. With the number 1 receiver still on the board the Cardinals take a chance at trying to find Larry Fitzgerald’s future replacement.

16

Marcus Davenport

DE

UTSA

6’6″

259

Terrell Suggs is not getting any younger. Davenport is a little bit of a project on the edge, but is exactly what you look for as a 3-4 edge rusher with his length. I believe Ozzie Newsome takes a chance at a potential great pass rusher with this pick.

17

Derwin James

S

Florida St.

6’2″

215

A dream scenario for the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers corner position is highly talented, but the safety position needs a major overhaul. Derwin James is a highly talented safety. If James isn’t there, an offensive lineman is probably the most likely option.

18

Connor Williams

OT

Texas

6’5″

296

The Seahawks offensive line needs an overhaul. Williams played left tackle at Texas, but could possibly be kicked inside to guard. A versatile offensive lineman is exactly what Seattle needs.

19

Da’ron Payne

DT

Alabama

6’3″

311

Dallas lacks depth on the interior defensive line. Payne has star potential, but will need to improve his consistency. A wide receiver is a possibility, but there doesn’t seem to be a receiver worth the 19th pick in this draft.

20

Taven Bryan

DT

Florida

6’5″

291

The Lions hit on the draft two years ago with A’Shawn Robinson at defensive tackle. They could try that again with Bryan. Bryan has a high upside and is more of a pass rusher. He is a boom or bust prospect that could booster this Lions defensive line.

21

Rashaan Evans

ILB

Alabama

6’2″

232

Vontaze Burfict is suspended for four games and the Bengals need to revamp their linebacking core. Evans is a versatile linebacker who shouldn’t drop below here. Evans and Bengals would be a great match.

22

Lamar Jackson

QB

Louisville

6’2″

216

Yes he is a QB. Given the chance, Lamar could be a very successful NFL starter. He has a lot of zip in his passes, but will need to improve his intermediate accuracy. Lamar is going to be a matchup nightmare for defensive coordinators when he gets a shot to start.

23

Mike McGlinchey

OT

Notre Dame

6’8″

309

The Patriots have a major need at left tackle after Nate Solder left. Mike McGlinchey is one of the top tackles in a weak class and could be a potential starting left tackle on this team.

24

Jaire Alexander

CB

Louisville

5’10”

196

The Panthers need some star power at the cornerback position opposite of James Bradberry. Jaire is one of the best corners in the draft and also adds return ability for the Panthers.

25

Harold Landry

OLB

Boston College

6’2″

252

The Titans need pass rushers on the defense. Having Landry fall all the way to 25 would be a perfect scenario for a defense that needs to improve.

26

Maurice Hurst

DT

Michigan

6’1″

292

The Falcons lost Dontari Poe to the Carolina Panthers. Therefore defensive tackle is one of the Falcons biggest needs. Maurice Hurst is an incredibly quick 3 technique that could compete for time early. The Falcons will hope he can have the same kind of success as Grady Jarrett.

27

Hayden Hurst

TE

South Carolina

6’5″

250

The Saints lost out on getting Jimmy Graham back and Coby Fleener has not lived up to his free agent contract. Hayden Hurst is an athletic and versatile tight end that could fit the Saints need.

28

Mike Hughes

CB

UCF

5’10”

189

The secondary for the Steelers is the weakness of the team. Mike Hughes would help out this unit along with possibly the return game as well.

29

Isaiah Wynn

OG

Georgia

6’3″

308

The Jags defense is very good. The offense is the thing holding the team back. Wynn gives the Jaguars a plug and play guard that will help bolster the offensive line.

30

James Daniels

C

Iowa

6’3″

306

The Vikings got a steal last year in Ohio State Center Pat Elflein. Adding James Daniels could push the Vikings interior line to the next level. Elflein or Daniels could be moved to guard.

31

Isaiah Oliver

CB

Colorado

6’0″

201

As seen in the Super Bowl, the secondary needs some help. Isaiah Oliver is a highly athletic corner with good ball skills. With Malcolm Butler moving on to the Titans, Isaiah Oliver could start opposite of Stephon Gilmore.

Top 40

I believe Chubb, Nelson, Barkley, Darnold and Fitzpatrick are the tier 1 talent of this draft. Chubb has that combination of having a great motor, but also the athleticism to give offensive tackles a lot of trouble. Nelson is the one player who really does not have many weaknesses. Saquon has rare athleticism as a running back, but will need to improve his vision in the NFL. Fitzpatrick is a do everything defensive back who will thrive with his versatility.

After that I believe Rashann Evans could be the steal of the draft. He can play inside or outside linebacker and does have edge rushing talent. Denzel Ward is by far the most talented corner in this draft with great man coverage skills. Leighton Vander Esch (LVE) gets a lot of hate for being a linebacker from Boise State, but he is a player. He is athletic and is always around the ball. He will need to improve getting off blocks to be a successful NFL player.

The bottom half of the first round has a ton of talented interior offensive lineman including James Daniels, Will Hernandez, Isaiah Wynn, and Billy Price. One guy that will most likely go first round that I am not the biggest fan of is Courtland Sutton. He is a big height-weight-speed guy, but does not always play to his size and does not get the best seperation. He could develop into a good NFL wide receiver, but he will have to improve on his route running in order to get separation at the next level.

Finally, one of my favorite second round guys is Nathan Shepherd from Fort Hays State. He may have played DII football, but he constantly was causing problems even when double and even triple teamed. Shepherd has the size and athleticism to translate into a very good NFL defensive lineman.

Browns get their future quarterback to build around and the best QB in the draft.

2

Josh Rosen

QB

UCLA

6’4″

220

Eli Manning is 37 years old and there is no long term replacement. Rosen fills that role.

3

Bradley Chubb

DE

North Carolina St.

6’3″

275

Colts need a major talent upgrade to their roster. They get one of the top players in the draft and fill a defensive line need.

4

Minkah Fitzpatrick

S

Alabama

6’1″

201

Minkah would be a major upgrade for the Browns and would add versatility to the secondary.

5

Baker Mayfield

QB

Oklahoma

6’0″

216

Denver coached him at the Senior Bowl. John Elway takes a chance that Baker can translate that college success into nfl success

6

Saquon Barkley

RB

Penn St.

5’11”

223

Barkley slides a little due to the running back depth in the draft. Jets add an instant impact player for the offense.

7

Denzel Ward

CB

Ohio St.

5’10”

191

Brent Grimes is 34 and a pending free agent and hargreaves is a better nickel cornerback. Ward gives Tampa Bay some depth and talent at corner.

8

Quenton Nelson

OG

Notre Dame

6’5″

325

The Bears moved on from Josh Sitton at guard, Nelson would be an immediate starter on the line. this is a great match between talent and need.

9

Tremaine Edmunds

OLB

Virginia Tech

6’5″

250

49ers are in a shaky position at linebacker with the arrest of Reuben Foster and both the outside linebacker positions needing upgrades. Tremaine Edmunds is an athletic freak and one of the best tacklers in the draft.

10

Roquan Smith

ILB

Georgia

6’0″

225

The Raiders need an upgrade at weakside linebacker. Roquan Smith is a three down linebacker that will fit this need. if Navorro Bowman leaves that will increase the need.

11

Rashaan Evans

ILB

Alabama

6’2″

234

Evans is a do it all linebacker who can rush the passer on the edge or play the inside. This will add to the Dolphins linebacking unit that they’ve been trying to upgrade for years.

12

Orlando Brown

OT

Oklahoma

6’8″

355

Cedric Ogbuehi and Jake Fisher have been disappointing at tackle. Orlando Brown gives the bengals a potential franchise tackle for their offensive line.

13

Derwin James

S

Florida St.

6’3″

211

The Redskins need an upgrade at safety. Derwin james has star potential and would be a nice fit in Washington.

14

Vita Vea

DT

Washington

6’5″

344

New defensive coordinator likes a 3-4 nose tackle. Vita Vea is an absolute terror on the defensive line and would be a great fit for a Packers line that lacks depth.

15

Josh Allen

QB

Wyoming

6’5″

233

With the retirement of Carson Palmer, the cardinals are without a longterm option at QB. Allen could be that QB that the Cardinals take a chance on.

16

Calvin Ridley

WR

Alabama

6’1″

190

Ozzie Newsome loves himself some Alabama players. Jeremy Maclin is getting older and Mike Wallace could be gone in free agency. Ridley would be the ideal Mike Wallace replacement.

17

Connor Williams

OT

Texas

6’6″

320

The Chargers offensive line is aging. Connor Williams is a nice option as a future left tackle or kick him inside to guard.

18

Joshua Jackson

CB

Iowa

6’1″

192

Corner has gone from a position of strength to a need. Joshua Jackson has the height seattle looks for and the ball hawking ability.

19

Da’ron Payne

DT

Alabama

6’2″

308

Dallas lacks depth on the interior defensive line. Payne has star potential, but will need to improve his consistency.

20

Marcus Davenport

DE

UTSA

6’6″

259

Even with giving Ansah the franchise tag they still need someone on the opposite side adding a pass rush. Davenport has the potential to be a very good defensive end in the league.

21

Maurice Hurst

DT

Michigan

6’2″

282

The Bills need interior defensive line help. Hurst has rare pass rush ability for a DT and can help the bills on defense.

22

Lamar Jackson

QB

Louisville

6’3″

200

Yes he is a QB. Given the chance, lamar could be a very successful NFL starter. He has a lot of zip in his passes, but will need to improve his intermediate accuracy.

23

Mike Hughes

CB

Central Florida

5’11”

191

Even with acquiring Marcus Peters, the Rams still need corner help. Mike Hughes adds another playmaker to the Rams defense.

24

James Washington

WR

Oklahoma St.

5’11”

210

Cam Newton needs help at receiver. Washington adds a playmaker to the panthers receiving core.

25

Arden Key

DE

LSU

6’6″

238

Key has the talent to go much higher, but has some off the field issues. The Titans could take a chance on him adding a premier pass rusher to their defense.

26

Harrison Phillips

DT

Stanford

6’3″

303

The Falcons will likely lose Dontari Poe. Harrison Phillips is a possible replacement.

27

Harold Landry

OLb

Boston College

6’2″

250

This would be ideal for the Saints to add a pass rusher like Landry. Landry had an injury filled 2017, but is a talented edge rusher when healthy.

28

Ronnie Harrison

S

Alabama

6’3″

214

The secondary for the steelers is the weakness of the team. Adding a hard hitting, playmaking like Ronnie Harrison could change that.

29

Isaiah Wynn

OG

Georgia

6’3″

308

The Jags defense is very good. The offense is the thing holding the team back. Wynn gives the Jaguars a plug and play guard that will help bolster the offensive line.

30

Billy Price

C

Ohio St.

6’3″

312

The Vikings got a steal last year in Ohio State Center Pat Elflein. Billy Price could push the Vikings interior line to the next level as Price can be moved to guard.

31

Isaiah Oliver

CB

Colorado

6’1″

190

As seen in the super bowl the secondary needs some help. Isaiah Oliver is a highly athletic corner with good ball skills. With malcolm Butler Likely moving on he could start opposite of Stephon Gilmore.

Top Ten Players:

1. Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State– Barkley does not have a clear weakness and is a special player. He is a tough runner, but has an added toughness to him. Along with this he has the athleticism to run away or jump over defenders. Barkley runs with great balance as well. In the passing game he is a natural catcher of the football. Barkley leads a loaded 2018 running back class.

2. Bradley Chubb, DE, North Carolina State– His cousin Nick Chubb, running back for Georgia, received more headlines at the beginning of his college career, but it is Bradley that will be the higher draft pick. He is a relentless rusher that plays with a great motor. Throughout the entire season Chubb was a disruptive player with North Carolina State finishing with 10 Sacks and 23 TFLs. Chubb has the athleticism and the ability to bend around the corner you look for with a top defensive end prospect.

3. Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama– The leader of the Alabama secondary is one of the most versatile players in the draft. Early in his college career Fitzpatrick started at cornerback before eventually moving to safety. Fitzpatrick displays the combination of the coverage skills of a corner and the ball hawking ability of a safety. Fitzpatrick is a playmaker finishing his Alabama career with 9 INTs and 4 of those returned for a touchdown. His scheme versatility is a secondary coaches dream.

4. Sam Darnold, QB, USC– A lot was written, tweeted and posted about how Darnold was not ready for the NFL after a poor performance by the USC offense against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Darnold faced constant pressure with the Ohio State defensive line dominating the USC offensive line. It was not Darnold’s best performance, but he still displayed the skill set which I believe makes him the top quarterback in the draft. Darnold has a great pocket presence with a live arm. He is tough enough to stay in the pocket and make a throw, but at times tries to do too much and it leads to fumbles and interceptions. The combination of his great arm and accuracy makes him the top quarterback in this class.

5. Arden Key, DE, LSU– Heading into the year Arden Key was my top rated player. Key had a good, but not a great final season. He started the season slow with an offseason that included time away from the team. However, Key’s upside is through the roof. Key displays rare athleticism and bend for an edge rusher. If he can put it all together he could be the top player in this year’s draft.

6. Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson– One of my favorite players in this year’s draft. Ferrell has flashed over the past two years as Clemson’s premier pass rusher. He is a very good pass rusher and has the size to hold up in the run game. Ferrell finished the year with 9.5 sacks. He also is known as a high character guy. After the Alabama loss he offered one of the reporters to be the person to represent Clemson if they had any questions.

7. Vita Vea, DT, Washington– Vea is a guy who has shot up my draft rankings from my first initial scouting report. He is a huge defensive tackle listed at 6’5 344 lbs, but he can move with the best of them. Vea throws offensive lineman around and takes up a massive amount of space. A few times he has literally held up offensive lineman with one arm. He is equally disruptive as a pass rusher and a run stopper. Washington moved him all around the defensive line, and I believe he has some scheme versatility at the next level.

8. Rashaan Evans, ILB, Alabama– Evans developed into the leader of the Alabama defense during his senior year. He is also one of the most athletic linebackers in this years draft and flies around the football field. Alabama moved Evans around this season and he displayed great edge rushing ability as well. The versatility along the different linebacker positions makes Evans an early first round pick.

9. Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame– Nelson is an instant plug and play starter at the offensive guard position. As a run blocker, he is one of the best with a very powerful punch. He finishes his blocks and absolutely dominated some defensive lineman. Nelson has the athleticism to pull and get to the second level. A team picking early will get a good starter with Nelson.

10. Roquan Smith, ILB, Georgia– The leader of the Georgia defense, Smith had a great Junior season. He is a smart, rangy linebacker that can play all three downs. Against Oklahoma he was exposed a little in the first half for not being able to disengage from offensive lineman. However, his athleticism, instincts, and tackling makes him a first round pick.

11-30:

We are over half way through the College Football season and other than Alabama, I have no idea who is good. The final games late in the season should make the playoff and bowl picture more clear. But taking into account what has already happened this season here are a few problems I have with the AP top 25 rankings:

No love for Notre Dame

I’ve been talking about how underrated Notre Dame is for the past few weeks. The “usually most overrated” program in college football has been far under the radar after their 4-8 season. The rest of the country is finally starting to pick-up after their beat down of USC.

Still, Notre Dame should be ranked higher than 9.The only loss was a one-point game at home against, in my opinion, the second best team in the nation Georgia. They’ve also blown out every other team they’ve faced including USC. I think there is a case for Notre Dame to be ranked as high as number five and if they beat NC State this weekend, they should absolutely be a top 5 team. This includes being ranked over teams like Wisconsin and Miami who have yet to face a solid opponent.

Ohio State being ranked above Notre Dame makes absolutely no sense. This brings me to point number 2.

2. Ohio State ranked way too high

Apparently if you get blown out at home, all you have to do is play UNLV, Army, Rutgers, Maryland and Nebraska then everyone will forget. Ohio State has only beaten one team with a winning record and that team was Army.

What is even crazier is they are ranked above Oklahoma, THE TEAM THAT BEAT THEM IN THEIR HOUSE BY 18 POINTS. I know Oklahoma hasn’t been playing their best football, but the College Football playoff committee has proven time and time again that when two teams have a similar resume, head to head is very important. Yet, Oklahoma is ranked 10 and Ohio State is all the way up to 6.

Clemson has beaten top 25 teams Virginia Tech and Auburn, but for some reason voters have Ohio State ranked higher. A win against Penn State will be a major resume booster, but for now they have nowhere near the credentials to be ranked 6th.

3. Georgia has a better resume than Penn State and TCU

I don’t have as big a problem with this because their resumes are so close, but I believe Georgia should be the number 2 ranked team. Georgia has the best win out of anybody in the country, a win on the road against Notre Dame. They also have a blow-out win against a fringe top 25 team Mississippi State. Other than the Notre Dame game, they’ve blown out everyone.

Penn State had an impressive win against Michigan, but they’re not even a top 25 team. And that is their best win. Other than that it has been mostly blowouts other than a close 2-point win over Iowa. I wouldn’t consider moving them up to number 2 unless they beat Ohio State this week.

Finally, TCU is undefeated with a decent resume. Their best win is at Oklahoma State and also have a top 25 win against West Virginia. They’ve won the games they needed to win by a decent margin. Honestly they even have a better resume than Penn State right now, but not a better resume than Georgia.

4. Can someone explain to me how LSU is ranked

I swear, voters have the memory of a gold fish. The month of September LSU lost by 30 points to Mississippi State and also lost to Troy. A win against Auburn has made everyone forget about this. How are you going to rank LSU in the top 25, but not Mississippi State when they beat LSU in Death Valley by 30? The Auburn win is nice, but it does not erase the terrible month of September.

5. UCF has a better resume than USF

This is where voters cling onto their preseason rankings and don’t take a fresh look at the resumes. South Florida has not played a team with more than 3 wins and their opponents overall record is 13-33. They beat an average Tulane team this past weekend by only 6 points.

UCF is the exact opposite. They smoked 24th ranked Memphis by 27 points and also beat a good Navy team by 10 points this past weekend. Ranking South Florida above UCF is idiotic and shouldn’t even be a discussion at this point.

The good news is both teams play each other at the end of the year which could decide who goes to a New Year’s Six bowl.